VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

HARKNESS OCCUPATIONAL CENTER

Students are responsible for purchasing safety and clothing items (smocks, overalls, steel-toed shoes, etc.)  required for their particular programs.

3.75 credits per year

 This two year program provides students with the fundamentals of design elements, color theory, and comprehensive layouts.  Industry standard computer graphic programs aid students in the evolution of projects from concept to completion.  In the visual media unit, students will be exposed to multimedia interactive software through development of web design, computer animation and digital production.  Traditional and/or digital photography concepts are taught as they apply to print and web designs.  Students will develop a portfolio for career interviews in addition to an online interactive portfolio.  This two-year program is open to all high school juniors and seniors.  Students successfully completing this program will have the knowledge and hands-on experience needed for entry-level positions within the graphics and printing industries and/or the opportunity to enroll in post-secondary education programs.

3.75 credits per year

This two year program focuses on collision damage repair and refinishing using the latest in technology in a state-of-the-art commercial auto body shop.

3.75 credits per year 

This two year program focuses on learning skills necessary to troubleshoot and repair the complex systems of today’s high-tech automobiles.  Learn to diagnose, adjust, and repair engines, steering /suspensions, brakes, and electrical components by performing actual repairs on vehicles in a commercial auto repair shop lab.   

3.75 credits per year

This two year program offers modular instruction in carpentry, electricity, masonry, and plumbing and heating.  The students will participate in four modules for carpentry including roughing, exterior/interior finishing, and cabinetry, and a semester module, each in Introductory Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Circuitry. Exposure to basic theory and skills, tools and equipment, and career opportunities in these various trades is provided.  Practical experience through a variety of community service projects such as building gazebos, picnic shelters, and storage sheds is provided to all students.

Course Content: Rough/Finish Carpentry, Estimating, Framing, Introductory-Heating, Plumbing/Piping, Cabinet making, Basic Masonry, Electrical Circuitry/Installation, Water/Sewage Systems, Blueprint Reading.

3.75 credits per year

This two year program teaches the student to use the computer as an aid in preparing a drawing.  Translation of ideas, sketches, specifications and calculations into complete and accurate drawings using a complete CAD system arrangement is emphasized.  These skills in theory and operation of the CAD System are then applied in designing and developing drawings in electronic, architectural, and mechanical fields.

Course Content:  Drawing Commands, Geometric Construction, CAD Hardware/Software, CAD Exclusive Features, CAD-Machine, Orthographic Projection, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Layout/Assembly/Working Drawings, Shape/Size/Drawing Description, Revision/Modification/Preservation, CAD-Electronic/Electrical, CAD-Architectural, 3-D Modeling.

3.75 credits per year - 1 year course

This twelfth-grade level program prepares students for allied health careers other than nursing.  Students will intern at such sites as sports medicine clinics, physical therapy centers, as trainer assistants and other medical or health-related office/clinic settings.    

3.75 credits per year

The two year Computer Information Systems Operations concentrates on computer skills as they are applied in a business setting.  The use of equipment and program technology presently found in the business setting is a primary focus of the program in order to prepare students for employer’s demands. Through hands-on learning, students develop skills in a variety of areas such as data entry, word processing, automated spreadsheets and data base management.  In addition to basic skills, students receive in-depth exposure to concepts such as documentation, detail, system flowcharting, decision making, instruction in networking, midrange/microcomputer hardware and software.

Course Content: Keyboarding, Computer Setup and Operations, Software Programs (Word processing, Spreadsheets, Data bases), Data Entry Operations, Systems Operations, Computer Programming-3 Languages: a) Basic b) RPG II c) Cobol, Systems: DOS and Windows.

3.75 credits per year

 This two year program prepares students for subsequent employment in the field of Cosmetology.  Instruction will enable students to provide beauty services in all the basic skills and current trends in the profession.  A clinic experience in which outside customers participate in the school beauty salon allows students to practice hairdressing and customer relations skills.

Course Content:  Shampooing, Finger Waving, Facial treatments, Scalp and Hair Treatments, Care of Wigs, Chemical/Thermal Hair Relaxing, Make-up Application, Chemistry of Chemical Procedures, Haircutting, Structure:  Hair/Skin/Nails, Theory of Massage, Manicuring, Hair Coloring and Lightening, Chemical Waving, Business Management.

3.75 credits per year

This 2 year program is a complex combination of science, art and skilled craftsmanship employed in the fabrication of dental restorations used to restore and replace natural dentition.  During the two years of study, students will have a complete comprehension of basic techniques, materials, anatomy and terminology involved in the daily routine of the dental lab.  Students are introduced to the techniques and materials used to fabricate dental appliances from the dentist’s specifications on the laboratory prescription.  Students will study and create dental restorations and appliances from five specialties of dental laboratory:  Complete Dentures, Partial Frameworks, Crown and Bridge, Ceramics, and Orthodontics.  Students will fabricate an appliance from beginning to end that will result in the dentist’s insertion into the patient’s mouth.  After graduation from the program students will be able to be employed in the dental field.

Course Content: Oral Anatomy, Dental Materials, Complete Dentures, Dental Repairs, Crown and Bridge, Gold Casting in this two year program, students are introduced to the technique and materials to fabricate dental appliances according to the dentist’s prescriptions.  Work with complete dentures and all the associated procedures for repairing, relining, and rebasing are included.  Students learn about crown and bridge, ceramics, partial dentures, and orthodontic appliances.  Laboratory training where students have on-the-job experiences in a private or commercial dental laboratory enhances skill development.

3.75 credits per year

This program provides an in-depth study of Early Childhood Education (birth-9 years) including related managerial skills, curriculum and developmental theory and application.  Students will observe, participate in, and develop a variety of activities with infants, preschoolers, and young children which will enhance the development of these children.  Competence for job skills will be stressed, practiced, and evaluated in laboratory situations.  Job specific modules will be selected to focus on community needs, student needs and abilities, and available facilities.

Course Content:  Child Psychology and Development, Lesson Planning: Curriculum Development, Child Guidance Techniques, Special Needs Children, Communication Skills, Job Skills, Audio Visual Equipment, Child Assessment, Childhood Nutrition, Observation: Recording, Learning Centers, Business Management, and Health and Safety Regulations.

Prerequisite: Basic Electronics

3.75 credits per year

This two year program deals with the application of electrical technologies in all phases of the Electrical Industry.  It prepares students for the planning, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of wiring systems in residential and light industrial settings according to the standards of the National Electrical Code.  Instruction in principles of electricity, reading of blue-prints and wiring diagrams, and proper use of tools and equipment is provided.  Basic principles of solid-state electronics are included to enable students to install, repair, and replace operational systems.

Course Content: AC/DC Current Theory, Residential Wiring, Motors/Motor Control Principles, Conduit Installation, Digital Logic, Robotics, Commercial Wiring, Meters/Test Equipment, National Electrical Code, Basic Electronics, Microprocessors, Computerized Tutorials/Testing.

4 credits per year

Senior Option Health Related Careers Program gives college bound high school seniors the opportunity to experience careers in the allied health area through a mentoring relationship with a practicing professional.  Twelfth grade English and Social Studies are integrated in the Health Careers curriculum.  Students spend approximately four hours a day at a designated hospital site taking coursework and working in all aspects of the health field with mentoring professionals to develop career skills and apply them in diverse situations.

3.75 credits per year

The major emphasis in this two year program is on quality of preparation and presentation in both small and large quantity cooking.  Both theory and hands-on experience are included in such areas as: menu planning, methods of cookery, table service, storeroom procedures, food control, sanitation, and food costing.  Advanced instruction teaches basic managerial and supervisory techniques.  Frequent catering for school activities and part-time work in the industry provide on-the-job experience.  Students develop the necessary preparation, service, managerial and human relations skills for the food service industry.

Course Content:   Safety, Tools and Equipment, Cookery Methods, Nutrition, Catering, Food Costing, Kitchen Management, Sanitation, Food Preparation/Presentation, Cake Making/Decorating, Types of Service, Recipe Measurement/Conversion, Dish Room Operation, Grill Operation.

3.75 credits per year - 1 year course

The Health Careers program aids students in making career choices in related services in a wide variety of settings.  The Health Occupations Core provides basic skills, knowledge and attitudes common to present and emerging health occupations.  Modules in the health related and family related areas provide the basis for specialty study in the second year in Medical Assisting, Rehabilitation Therapy and Practical Nursing 1.

3.75 credits per year

In this two year program, students receive training in machine tool setup and operation procedures of the most commonly used equipment in modern machine shops.  Various skills are developed through machining projects using: lathes, mills, grinders, saws, and drill presses.  Advanced operations on these machines as well as surface and cylinder grinders and numerically controlled machines are also covered.  The integration of theory and practical operation of basic machine tools occurs in this setting.

Course Content:   Machine Operation: Drill Press, Lathe, Milling Machine, Grinder, Shaper, Numerical Controlled Equipment and Computer Controlled Equipment, Shop Organization, Blueprint Reading and Sketching, Heat Treatment, Bench work Procedures: Filing, Layout and Inspection.

3.75 credits

The Multi-Occupations program is a one-year non-sequential vocational program.  It has been designed to provide an opportunity for students to experience a variety of course offerings with the purpose of helping students make decisions concerning their future educational program. Students follow a set of objectives and complete modified projects designed for them.  A student may explore up to four different occupational programs for ten weeks each.

At the end of each module, the teacher evaluates the student on basic skills presented: career awareness, adherence to safety regulations, and apparent interest.  These evaluations are sent to the home school guidance department.  This will assist the student in selecting an appropriate occupational course for subsequent years.

Course Content:   Career Awareness, Individualized Course Objectives, Safety, Modified Project.

Special Education Student Classification

Occupational Special Education (OSE) is a non-sequential multi-year program for disabled students pursuing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Diploma who will enter competitive employment.  It is designed to give students with particular learning and/or management needs an opportunity to explore various occupational areas and choose one in which to develop employable skills.  The class size is limited to twelve students to provide for extensive individual attention.

An important concept of this program is its community-based job component in which most students have a chance to practice their skills in a competitive situation while still enrolled in school for back-up support services.

Course Content:

• OSE I is an exploratory phase in which a student explores career clusters for five-week periods: horticulture, food services, custodial services, building maintenance, carpentry, auto services, laundry services, health awareness, and career experience.  Evaluations occur after each module.  At the end of Phase I, the occupational teachers in conjunction with the students and home school personnel decide on a course for the following year.  The options include choosing an OSE area in which to concentrate, a regular two-year program, or offerings in the home school.

• OSE II is the skill development stage.  Students spend the time learning entry level skills in a competitive employment area.  Attitudes as well as aptitudes relating to the world of work are explored.  The students learn safety rules and career opportunities in their chosen area:  Auto Services, Building Maintenance, Food Services, Skilled Cleaning Services or Human Services.

• OSE III is a closely supervised work experience.  Students who have acquired entry level skills are placed with off-site employers for varying amounts of time.  This allows the student to experience a real work situation while giving school personnel the opportunity to help with problems or assist in further skill development if necessary.

3.75 credits per year - 2 year course

This program is designed for students interested in the growing, care and arrangement of all varieties of plant life.  Basic skills in all areas of horticulture are taught.  Students will be involved in plant maintenance, landscape design, floral arrangement, greenhouse management, and entrepreneurship.  A greenhouse and nursery are conveniently located for student use.

Course Content: Plant and Soil Science, Floral Design, Landscaping Design/Construction/Maintenance, Insect/Disease Control, Greenhouse Production, Management Techniques, Equipment Operations and Care, Customer Sales and Service.

3.75 credits per year - 2 year course

The Criminal Justice System is composed of three major parts: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.  This two year program is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the responsibilities and duties in the various kinds of Criminal Justice occupations.  Police and security personnel from local agencies and businesses participate in the program.  This enables students to put security science theory into practical application and to make better career decisions.

Course Content: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Security, Health Care Security, Self-Defense Techniques, Introduction to Courts and Procedures, Introduction to Police Science, Emergency Response, Introduction to Criminal Law and Procedures, Retail Security, Banking Security, Investigative Techniques, Introduction to Corrections, Basic Training in Recruit Security Officers, Field Experience.

Completion of grade 11

3.75 credits

This senior course prepares students pursuing a career pathway in curriculum which includes anatomy and physiology, growth and development, nutrition, microbiology, and medical terminology.  Students apply their knowledge in supervised clinical experiences.

3.75 credits per year

In this two year program, students acquire knowledge and skills in metal cutting and joining techniques.  Instruction is given in methods of measurement, layout, and welding set up.  Students become familiar with the tools and equipment of the metal fabricating industry.  Essential shop mathematics and blueprint reading related to welding skills and practices are also included.

Course Content: Safety, Blueprint Reading and Layout, Oxy-acetylene & Plasma Cutting, Materials  Identification and Selection, Brazing, Welding Process:  Shielded Metallic Arc Welding/Oxy-Acetylene Welding/Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/Gas Metallic Arc Welding.

4 credits Senior Option

The Criminal Justice and the Law Program gives college bound seniors the opportunity to experience criminal justice and law related careers firsthand.  It is a school-business-college partnership that engages high school seniors in an in-depth exploration of the varied career pathways in the legal and criminal justice professions.  The program is offered in collaboration with Medaille College.  Students will begin and end the school day in their home school to complete graduation requirements & to participate in school activities.  Students will be engaged in related coursework or mentored internship experiences at Medaille College from 12 noon to 3:00 pm each day.  Students will also have the opportunity to shadow and to work with expert professionals as they develop their career knowledge and skills.  This collaborative effort connects the school to the workplace, the curriculum to career pathways, the student to a mentoring professional and to postsecondary education.

3.75 credits – per year

Course Content: Cisco Computer Networking, LAN Design, Network Architecture, OSI Model, Electrical Concepts and LANs, Router Configuration Files, Cabling, Network Management, IP Addressing, Media and Design, Internetworking Devices, Network Design, Routing The CISCO Networking Academy program is a complete, four-module program on the principles and practice of designing, building and maintaining networks capable of supporting national and global organizations in every industry.  This program focuses on the skills needed to design and implement Internet connectivity.  Wide Area Networks (WANS) and Local Area Networks (LANS).  The Cisco Networking Academy program is adapted to individual needs of secondary students, and features hands-on, project-based training in high-demand job skills.  The curriculum is well aligned with the National Science Education Standards.  The American Association for the Advancement of Science Project 2061 ABenchmarks@, and The Dartmouth Engineering Problem-Solving Methodology.  The classroom portion of the curriculum contains four 70-hour blocks of study for a total of 280 hours.  This allows ample time for additional hands-on activities, internship opportunities and certification.